like Joselu, Ibrahim Affeley, Shay Given, Van Ginkel, Glen Johnson and Xherdan Shaqiri. Mark Hughes before today had faced Spurs 20 times in his managerial career and won a mere four; while Mauricio Porchetino had never beaten a Stoke side in his four games as a manager. Against a Spurs side who lost their first game against Manchester United, it was always going to be difficult. Mauricio Porchetino got his tactics right by starting Eric Deir in defensive midfield to partner Lee Mason. Stoke had done the double over Tottenham last season but this season from the very first minute, Spurs looked like the were in for the win and it wasn't a surprise when Eric Deir nodded in Christian Erikson's corner in the 19th munute and last season Deir also got his first goal in his debut ( first match of the season against QPR in White Hart Lane and he did the same again today). Stoke rarely threatened until Nacer Chadli added a second before half time. Marko Arnautovic was the only lively player for Stoke as he exposed Kyle Walker several times.
It was Spurs all the way until Mark Hughes produced a magic by introducing Spanish striker Joselu and attacking midfielder Stephen Ireland in the second half. Everything changed instantly but that was after Lee Mason was denied from a glorious position by the toes of Jack Butland, after Harry Kane put him through on goal. Ireland changed the game as he took the game to Spurs and created several chances before sending a clean pass to Joselu who was unnecessarily pulled down In the 18 yard box by new Belgian Defender Alderwiereld from Athletico Madrid ( Spurs record defensive signing). Arnautovic made no mistake and converted from the Spot reducing the deficit.
If that wasn't enough, Ireland was at it agains as he crossed a dangerous ball from the left wing of the Spurs goal for former Manchester United and Hannover Senegalese Striker Mame Biram Diouf in the dying minutes to level scores.
Ireland had been a precious talent right from his days in Manchester City and was the star of the team during the reign of Mark Hughes in 2008. Ireland was deemed surplus to requirements by then new manager Roberto Mancini as he was used in a cash plus player exchange for James Miller. Ireland has never recovered and wasn't impressive in Newcastle although he did pretty well in Aston Villa in his first season before he fell out with manager Paul Lambert. At Stoke , Ireland is back to his best and seems to be picking up from his Manchester City form .
His game today showed that at 28, he is approaching his peak and can be deadly on his day. Stoke also has Butland to thank as he made more than six difficult saves and seems to be an able replacement for the departed Asmir Begovic.
Ireland really needs to improve on his stats and score more goals/creating assists. It is clear that after today's game Ireland must be proud of his performance and Mark Hughes the happier of the two managers .
No comments:
Post a Comment